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Founded in 1524 and full of towering cathedrals and historic mansions, Granada is one of Central America's most majestic colonial cities and Nicaragua's most visited tourist destination, according to Nicatour.net. Granada sits on the shores of the immense Lake Nicaragua, which at more than 3,000 square miles, is too large to see across, giving the city a uniquely seafront feel. The lake is home to the world's only freshwater sharks and more than 300 islands that can be visited by ferry from the city. The city itself offers warm tropical weather, an excellent dining scene and cultural and historical attractions that will keep visitors busy for days.

San Francisco Convent Cultural Center

One of the oldest and largest museums in Nicaragua, the San Francisco Convent Cultural Center is housed in a historic convent within Granada's central core. The museum houses paintings that document the colonial history of Nicaragua and Granada itself, as well as a magnificent collection of pre-Colombian statues from the islands of Lake Nicaragua. Modern exhibits include works from the artists' colony of the archipelago of Solentiname, also located on the lake. The museum, built in 1529 by the Franciscan Order, is a fine example of colonial architecture and has a large garden courtyard that hosts rotating and visiting exhibits.

Carriage Street Tours

Because the ancient cobblestone streets of Granada are narrow, many residents still use horse-drawn carriages to transport goods. Independent operators now offer carriage tours of the historic city that leave from the central plaza (Parque Central) and take visitors on hourlong narrated tours of the charming streets and impressive architecture of Granada. Unlike other cities where carriage rides feel like a quaint but outdated throwback to bygone ages, a carriage ride in Granada feels like an authentic way to interact with modern life in this city.

Boat Trip to Las Isletas

Located just two miles off the shores of Granada, Las Isletas comprise an archipelago of lush tropical islands that numerous exotic birds, howler monkeys and flowering plants call home. Boats for Las Isletas gather at the dock in Granada and depart whenever someone is interested in going. Tours of the islands can take as little as an hour or continue throughout the day. For those who would like to spend some time in this pristine environment, houses are available for rent on the otherwise uninhabited islands, and hotels offer rooms in some of the fishing villages.

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About the Author

Based in San Francisco, Ocean Malandra is a travel writer, author and documentary filmmaker. He runs a major San Francisco travel website, is widely published in both online and print publications and has contributed to several travel guidebooks to South America.